Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Stored in Cargo: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
| Liturgical Feast | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | November 09 |
| Rank | Solemnity |
| Type | Fixed |
| Season | Ordinary Time |
| Primary Shrine | Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran |
| Countries | Universal |
| Dioceses | Diocese of Rome |
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, formally the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Basilica of the Most Holy Savior at the Lateran, is the solemnity in the Roman Rite commemorating the consecration of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome and the mother and head of all churches in the city and the world. Celebrated annually on November 9 according to the General Roman Calendar, it falls within Ordinary Time and honors the sanctity of church buildings as symbols of the heavenly Jerusalem. The feast is universal but not a Holy Day of Obligation.
According to the *General Roman Calendar* (2002 edition), the Dedication ranks as a solemnity, taking precedence over Sundays in Ordinary Time. The Mass uses white vestments, with proper texts in the Missale Romanum invoking the dedication of the temple and the living stones of the Church. The Gloria and Creed are recited.
The Lateran Basilica, gifted by Emperor Constantine in 313, was dedicated on November 9, 324, marking the first Christian basilica in Rome and a pivotal moment in the Church's public worship.
Liturgical observance
The Mass employs white vestments. The Lectionary prescribes Ezekiel 47:1–2, 8–9, 12 (first reading, waters flowing from the temple), 1 Corinthians 3:9c–11, 16–17 (second reading, God's temple), and John 2:13–22 (Gospel, cleansing of the temple). Missale Romanum (editio typica tertia ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 2002. Lectionary for Mass. III. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2002.
The Preface of the Dedication of a Church is proper, emphasizing the house of prayer. No special rites are mandated universally beyond the dedication rite itself, which includes anointing the altar and walls; local dioceses may renew consecration prayers. The Liturgy of the Hours uses the common of the Dedication of a Church.
History
Evidence suggests the basilica was constructed on land donated by the Lateran family, with dedication occurring on November 9, 324, under Pope Sylvester I, as recorded in the *Liber Pontificalis*. The Catholic Encyclopedia. 9. Robert Appleton Company. 1910. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09144a.htm. It served as the pope's residence until the 14th century.
The feast entered the Roman calendar by the 7th century and was extended universally. The 1969 reform retained November 9 as a solemnity, aligning with the original date."Mysterii Paschalis". Vatican. 1969-02-14. https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19690214_mysterii-paschalis.html. This reflects universal Roman Rite observance; Eastern Catholic churches may observe dedications on local patronal dates.
Theological significance
The feast symbolizes the Church as the spiritual temple built on Christ the cornerstone. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “The Church is the new People of God... the Body of Christ” (CCC 781), with church buildings as sacramental signs. Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1997.
Ezekiel 47 evokes life-giving waters from the sanctuary, fulfilled in the Church's sacraments. 1 Corinthians 3:16 affirms believers as God's temple. John 2:21 interprets the temple as Christ's body, risen on the third day. Pope Benedict XVI noted in a 2008 homily that the Lateran embodies “the Church of Rome as the visible center of unity.”"Homily for the Dedication of the Lateran". Vatican. 2008-11-09. https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/homilies/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20081109_dedica-san-giovanni.html.
Veneration and traditions
Liturgical tradition holds that dedications are venerated through the annual feast and the rite of consecration for new churches. According to popular devotion, pilgrims visit the Lateran for plenary indulgences on November 9, though this is tied to the site's status rather than the universal feast.
Processions or relic expositions occur locally in Rome, but cannot be confirmed as widespread. No foods or music are prescribed; the hymn Urbs Beata Jerusalem is used in the Liturgy of the Hours.
Significant locations
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran
- Cathedral of Rome, dedicated 324; seat of the bishop of Rome (Diocese of Rome).
- Major basilica; plenary indulgence on November 9 under usual conditions."Enchiridion Indulgentiarum". Apostolic Penitentiary. 1999. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_apostpenit_doc_19990716_ench-indulg_en.html.
Basilica of the Holy Savior (Aquileia)
- 4th-century patriarchal basilica, one of the earliest Christian churches (Archdiocese of Udine, Italy).
- UNESCO site; connected through early dedication traditions.
References
External links
- Catechism of the Catholic Church §756–780 – Vatican
- November 9 – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica – USCCB
- Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran – Vatican